Effective Synthesis of Patterned Polymer Brushes with Tailored Multiple Graft Densities

Abstract

This paper reports an effective method to prepare patterned polymer brushes on surfaces with tailored graft densities. High-density (concentrated), moderate-density (semidilute), and low-density (dilute) polymer brushes were fabricated in patterned manners, offering defined 3D-patterned structures. This method uses a middle/near-UV (≥ 250 nm) lamp and needs only a short time (≤ 10 min) to fabricate pre-patterns of the initiator, in sharp contrast to the previous high-energy lithography and time-consuming processes. The obtained patterned brush served as a molecular (protein) repellent/adsorptive interface based on a graft-density dependent size-exclusion effect. This method is facile and accessible to wide ranges of tunable density and pattern shape, which are attractive for extensive use.

Multistimuli Responsive Reversible Cross-Linking–Decross-Linking of Concentrated Polymer Brushes

“…RCMP is amenable to a wide range of monomers and can afford concentrated polymer brushes with high graft density (σ) and surface occupancy (σ* ≥ 10%). 23,24 The high surface occupancy propels the polymer chains towards extension, leading to unique properties such as high elasticity, ultra-low friction, and super-antifouling against proteins and microorganisms. 25 Such properties of concentrated polymer brushes are different from those of semi-diluted or diluted brushes prepared by conventional radical polymerization or grafting-to methods.…”

Recent development in halogen-bonding-catalyzed living radical polymerization

“…The M n value ranged from 10 3 to 10 5 g mol −1 and up to 290 000 g mol −1 with relatively small Đ values (<1.5). 50,67 Recently, RCMP was successfully used for biomassderived itaconate derivatives (Fig. 7) 68 and biocompatible monomers (Fig.…”

“…14d). 67 The size exclusion of external molecules from the polymer brush depends on the graft density. 122 Thus, the patterned brushes with different graft densities may serve as molecular recognition interfaces.…”

Recyclable Solid-Supported Catalysts for Quaternary Ammonium Iodide-Catalyzed Living Radical Polymerization

“…This LRP was termed reversible complexation mediated polymerization (RCMP). RCMP is attractive because it does not require special capping agents or metal catalysts and is amenable to a wide range of monomers and polymer structures, including block copolymers, polymer brushes, 35,36 and micelles. 37,38 In the present paper, we report the synthesis of supported RCMP catalysts and their use in the polymerizations.…”